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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
About My Test
What will happen during your appointment and what to do if you need to change your appointment.
How Will I Know about My Appointment?
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2022/12/aaaletter.jpg)
Your Appointment Letter
You will receive a letter in the post inviting you to attend an appointment. The letter will tell you where and when the appointment will be.
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2022/12/aaahealthcentre.jpg)
Where will My Appointment be Held?
The test will be at either the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh or at one of the outreach clinics.
What Happens During the Appointment?
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Arriving for the Appointment
You will be asked to wait in the waiting area until the nurse is ready to see you.
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2022/12/aaanursepatient.jpg)
Meeting the Nurse
The nurse will explain what is going to happen and will ask you some questions.
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2022/12/aaaten.jpg)
How Long Will the Test Take?
The test will take about 10 minutes.
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Preparing for the Test
The nurse will ask you to lie on the hospital bed. They will dim the lights so they can see the screen more clearly.
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2022/12/aaagel.jpg)
Ultrasound Gel
They will ask you to lift your top up so they can see your tummy, then they will put some gel on your tummy.
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2022/12/aaasoundscan2.jpg)
Performing the Scan
They will then put the camera on your tummy and look at the TV screen. The nurse will talk to you about what they see.
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2022/12/aaaletter.jpg)
After the Appointment
Both you and your GP will be posted a letter with your results.
Making Changes to Your Appointment
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2022/12/aaaletter2.jpg)
How to Change Your Appointment
You can make changes to your appointment by phoning the number on your letter.
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When to Change Your Appointment
You should phone the number on the letter if you:
- Want to change the date and time of your appointment.
- Would like to bring someone with you to the test.
- Have a disability.
- Have mobility issues.
- Need an interpreter or any other help.
- Have any worries or want to discuss anything about your appointment.
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2022/12/aaaletter2.jpg)
If You have Missed Your Appointment
If you miss an appointment, phone the number on the letter as soon as you can to arrange a new appointment.